Cutting a Rug: How the Frugal Kiwi was Born

A couple of years ago, I was in excruciating pain. So much pain, I often couldn’t keep my eyes open, but I had to do SOMETHING to keep my hands busy and my mind off of it as best I could or I’d go mad. At the time, the neurologist told me I was recovering from a stroke, although later, I’d find out I was in the middle of an interminable migraine that continues to this day.

Since I wasn’t working and had no money to spend I had to be creative. The answer to my need for activity sat in my linen closet-a set of brightly colour knit sheets that had developed holes. I’d make a rug. A rag rug. Never mind that I had no idea how. I’d figure it out.

Rag Rug Of Triumph

I ran across a few methods. Most involved sewing. I didn’t want to mess with that. Then I found it-a no-sew rag rug at a site different from anything I’d ever seen before, a blog called Little House in the Suburbs. They had just the tutorial I was looking for with clear instructions and great pictures.

I wove a lot of that rug with my eyes closed and it was painstakingly slow. I spent hundreds of hours making it, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was that now matter HOW MUCH PAIN I was in, I was making something useful. If I could make something useful, in a small way, I had gained some control of my life.
The pain waxed and waned. On days I was feeling better, I’d go back and look at that neat blog again. They did interesting homemade sustainable things, some of which, like having bees and chickens, were completely impossible for us at that point since we were renting in Auckland. However, I looked at my life and thought there were plenty of other things I COULD DO. So I did.

Now we are living in Northland, in the house Frugal Man’s granddad built, complete with a beehive and chicken coop Frugal Man built, and the Frugal Kiwi has its second anniversary coming up next week.

I still can’t work a normal job, but I contribute to the household in other ways. I’m working on becoming a better gardener. I can/bottle, preserve and help mind the beehive. When we get chickens again, they will be my responsibility. I felt by commission. I hope I’ve helped a few people along the way too.

On the eve of Frugal Kiwi’s 2nd Anniversary I’d like to give a special thanks to Ivory and Tomato Lady of Little House in the Suburbs. You helped me get through a dark and painful time and one of your scattered seeds grew into the Frugal Kiwi.

Another thanks goes out to all my readers, especially the ones who leave comments. You let me know I’m not a crazy lady with cats talking to myself. Well, I AM, but not JUST that. I you lived with Ed the Cat, you’d talk to him too.

Next week, I’ll post a Blogoversary giveaway to say thanks in the way everyone loves best-neato mosquito stuff. I just haven’t decided WHAT yet. It’s a week for mysteries, I guess.

Speaking of mysteries, the problem of the soft soap has been solved. Pop back by look for the yellow box at the bottom of the post if you want to get the scoop from an expert soap maker.

I’m sorry to hear of your migraine. I purchased a book by Dr F. Batmanghelidj called You’re Not Sick, You’re Thirsty! last year about his research into water. He says that we in the western world are unintentionally chronically dehydrated for pure water. Its an amazing book which lists headaches and migraines as symptoms of not drinking enough pure water. What he means by pure water is water that has been filtered to remove heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride and other nasties out of it so that it is pure water to be taken up by our bodies cells. So in effect, we are giving our living cells the water they need to work. If you can get a copy of it, I highly recommend it as it has been able to help me immensely.

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ClodaHewitt
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March 1, 2012

I can completely connect with you in the thought of having to keep your mind stable despite pain. Not only has it been physical, osteoarthritis was disabling me from my hairdressing career for 17 years, but incredibly emotional, loss of mother 6 months ago, and in the process of weeding through the medical field trying to get my father out of sedation hell, and out of ICU. It has been 15 days so far, Happy Valentine’s, NOT started the event. If you have faith in God, which I kinda have a feeling you do, Say a prayer. I feel that I was led to this site because right now I am digging in the field of felting to keep my mind occupied. God Bless and pray the migraines cease and desist, claim that , do not doubt that God will touch you.

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chasity_dd
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December 16, 2011

I just stumbled across you website last night, and after searching through it I absolutely love it. I am sorry you are in so much pain, but thank you so much for showing us how to live green and save money. Thank you! You inspire me to be greener!

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Linda
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September 5, 2011

I stumbled upon your blog, when net surfing ‘soap making’today.. and like others have commented ‘you do make it all look so simple’ 🙂 I really would like to have a go at your recipe some time, so thankyou for sharing and may God Bless your health 🙂

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Laura Cole
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August 19, 2011

Just found your blog today – I love it so far. My husband keeps 2 beehives and we make our own soap. We live in the Washington DC suburbs.
I’m so glad you were able to make the rug and re-exert control over your own life. I hope medical science can figure out some way to help treat chronic pain, such as your ongoing migraine. I know many others who also suffer.
Good for you, for overcoming it and using it as a stimulus to start Frugal Kiwi. Happy Anniversary!

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Sheryl
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August 14, 2011

Congratulations, Melanie, on your second year. It is amazing how you manage with all the pain you have. There are some people who would give in, and others who make lemonade out of lemons. You’re one up from that- you made a gorgeous rug out of rags!

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Happy anniversary. And what a gorgeous rug! My grandmother made the standard round and round and round or back and forth and back and forth kind of rag rugs, but this one is totally different. I think galaxy is a great name. And maybe you should add rag rugs to your shop?
Let’s celebrate year three by banishing migraines, okay??

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I’m lucky enough to say I have a list of heroes in my life. Some I know (or knew), some are what could be called “strangers”. Nonetheless, these people inspire me and motivate me to be better, look up and recognize how each of us leaves our mark on the world. Your rug is beautiful… but your story is precious.
Thank you new-hero-of-mine!

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Ms Lottie
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August 12, 2011

Happy Blogversary for next week. That’s a beautiful rug and even more so when I learn that it kinda sparked your whole blog. You’re a real inspiration to so many people. Now excuse me while I just go check out how to make my own rug!

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Julia
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August 12, 2011

I’ve been quietly reading your blog for a few months now, I really enjoy it
It reminds me of my frugal kiwi upbringing with my fantastic parents who can make, grow, build just about everything themselves
Cheers

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Ok, first of all, I’m in love with that rug. It’s really a thing of beauty and a joy to behold. Even moreso now that I know it helped you through a tough time.
And second, I can’t believe this is just your 2nd blogiversary, because it seems like you’ve been here forever. And I mean that in the best way possible – I feel like I know all about you and your life and bees and Ed the Cat and frugal ways and Frugal Man.
And of course, I can’t forget the lovely hobbity tips and links you send me for Reel Life With Jane. Thanks so much for all you do and all the ways you contribute to both the world and the world wide web.

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Lea
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August 12, 2011

Love the NO – sew aspect of the rug. I got kind of put off by the instrucions that required sewing but this is just brilliant. I am thinking about all my families old T shirts…….might be short strips to work with though.

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I love your blog – you inspire me all the time. Love your ideas. you keep me on the straight and narrow!! Often the words “that’s what Frugal kiwi does” leave my mouth!!! Haha. Thanks for all your great ideas and thoughts and words of encouragement.